How My Nana’s Baking Soda Skincare Routine Became My Favorite Beauty Secret

In a world obsessed with $100 serums and 10-step routines, it’s easy to forget that sometimes the best skincare solutions are already sitting in your kitchen. My nana—graceful, radiant, and effortlessly elegant—has always believed in keeping things simple. Her not-so-secret weapon? Good old-fashioned baking soda.

For decades, she’s used this humble pantry staple as a core part of her routine. Her glowing skin speaks for itself. Here are the natural ways she uses baking soda to keep her skin clear, soft, and luminous.

Why Baking Soda? A Quick Look at the Benefits

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is more than just a baking ingredient—it’s a multitasking powerhouse. With its mild exfoliating texture and natural antibacterial properties, baking soda can:

• Gently slough off dead skin cells.

• Unclog pores and help prevent breakouts.

• Help balance the skin's pH (when used sparingly).

It's an affordable, natural addition to your routine, but remember that moderation is key.

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Nana’s Tried-and-True Baking Soda Skincare Methods

1. The Classic: Baking Soda + Water Paste

This is the simplest method—and the one Nana swears by when her skin feels dull or congested.

How to use it:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to create a thick paste.

2. Gently massage it onto clean skin using small, circular motions, focusing on areas with blackheads or rough patches.

3. Rinse with warm water after a minute or two.

This DIY exfoliant removes dead skin and impurities, leaving your skin feeling smoother and looking brighter.

2. The Glow-Up: Baking Soda + Honey Mask

When Nana wants something a little more nourishing, she reaches for honey—nature's ultimate skin soother.

How to use it:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of raw honey.

2. Apply it evenly to your face and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before rinsing.

Honey adds moisture and calms irritation, while baking soda exfoliates. It’s the perfect balance of cleansing and hydration.

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Is It Actually Safe? Tips for Proper Use

Baking soda has a high pH, which means it can disrupt your skin’s natural acid mantle if overused. That’s why moderation is crucial. Nana only uses these methods once or twice a week and always follows up with a gentle moisturizer.

Safety Tips:

• Patch test before using it on your face.

• Avoid if you have very sensitive, reactive, broken, or inflamed skin.

• Always apply sunscreen after any treatment involving exfoliation.

• If you have ongoing skin concerns, consult a dermatologist before trying this.

At the end of the day, skincare doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. If you’re looking to simplify your routine or explore natural alternatives, give Nana’s baking soda tricks a try. Your skin might just thank you.